Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

> On the flip side, if no one was anxious and everyone was perfectly enjoying the present, it could be that no one would ever bother to even invent the wheel.

I don't think the idea is that people should stop investing in the future but that they should enjoy the path to get there as well.

The idea that you should just be unhappy but it will all be worth it once X happens is not good for your well being. Life can be hard and even stressful but that doesn't preclude you from being happy or fulfilled. For example, if you are working your butt off, you can feel happy that you did so.

I started piano at 20 years old which is really old compared to most serious pianists. I practice 4 hours a day despite working full time. I know that it is entirely possible I will never reach the level as the greatest pianists but I try anyway. I think the fact that I am not depending on being great to be happy makes it easier for me to keep going because each week I feel improvement and I know I worked hard and that makes me happy.



"I am not depending on being great to be happy" - spot on!




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: